Interleaved transceivers using different radio spectrum

ABSTRACT

A cell site can be configured to have a first group of antennas arranged to provide coverage around the cell site and a second group of interleaved antennas that are interleaved between the antennas of the first group. The two groups can communicate at different frequency sets so that the two groups do not interfere with one another. Service nulls of one group that would otherwise be created by interference and low RSSI between antennas from the same group can be covered by the main beam of the other group, which can significantly improve SINR.

RELATED APPLICATION

The subject patent application is a continuation of, and claims priorityto, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/209,976, filed Jul. 14, 2016,and entitled “INTERLEAVED TRANSCEIVERS USING DIFFERENT RADIO SPECTRUM,”the entirety of which application is hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to the field of mobilecommunication and more specifically to configuring an access pointdevice to utilize different spectrum blocks for a first group ofantennas/transceivers than for a second group of antennas/transceiversthat are interleaved between the antennas/transceivers of the firstgroup.

BACKGROUND

Radio spectrum refers to a wide range of radio frequencies. Differentfrequencies have different natural properties. In networks today, suchas mobile communication networks, frequency ranges between about 700 MHzto about 2.5 GHz are deemed optimal for cellular communication based ona balance between natural properties noted above. Radios (e.g., antennasand/or transceivers) that communicate at different frequency rangestypically do not interfere with one another. Hence, much of the spectrumused in today's markets are allocated by ranges or blocks to differentproviders, typically either by license or auction. Thus, multipleservice providers can provide services to customers in the same area byutilizing different frequency ranges. However, individual serviceproviders are generally limited only to the portions of spectrum towhich that service provider has been allocated or otherwise authorizedto use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Numerous aspects, embodiments, objects and advantages of the presentinvention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detaileddescription, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and inwhich:

FIG. 1A illustrates a diagram of an example graphical illustration thatillustrates a top-down view of various elements relating to an examplethree-sector cell site in accordance with certain embodiments of thisdisclosure;

FIG. 1B depicts an example graphical illustration that illustrates aview of an example distribution of codec efficiency for an examplethree-sector cell site in accordance with certain embodiments of thisdisclosure;

FIG. 2 depicts an example system that can provide for interleavingtransceivers with other transceivers that operate at different frequencyranges in accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example graphical illustration that depicts aside-by-side comparison between an example three sector site and anexample six sector site with interleaved antennas that communicate viadistinct frequencies in accordance with certain embodiments of thisdisclosure;

FIG. 4 depicts an example graphical illustration that providesside-by-side SINR plots comparison between a baseline and an exampleinterleaved embodiment in accordance with certain embodiments of thisdisclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an example system that can providefor additional elements or aspects in connection with interleavingseparate frequency transceivers with other transceivers in accordancewith certain embodiments of this disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example methodology that can provide forinterleaving transceivers with other transceivers that operate atdifferent frequency ranges in accordance with certain embodiments ofthis disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example methodology that can provide foradditional elements or aspects in connection with interleavingtransceivers with other transceivers that operate at different frequencyranges in accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a first example of a wireless communicationsenvironment with associated components that can be operable to executecertain embodiments of this disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a second example of a wireless communicationsenvironment with associated components that can be operable to executecertain embodiments of this disclosure; and

FIG. 10 illustrates an example block diagram of a computer operable toexecute certain embodiments of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

The disclosed subject matter is now described with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to likeelements throughout. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the disclosed subject matter. It may beevident, however, that the disclosed subject matter may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-knownstructures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order tofacilitate describing the disclosed subject matter.

Mobile network providers in North America and certain other areasgenerally configure cell sites (e.g., comprising an eNodeB or otheraccess point device) as three sector sites. In other words, the cellsite will typically have three transceivers (also referred to herein asantennas or radios), each mapped to a different sector that togetherprovide 360 degree coverage around the cell site. A common configurationis to use three 65 degree beam-width antennas, with azimuth's spacedapproximately 120 degrees apart.

An example of such a configuration is provided with reference to FIG. 1Athat depicts graphical illustration 100. Graphical illustration 100illustrates a top-down view of various elements relating to an examplethree-sector cell site. The cell site comprises antennas 102 ₁-102 ₃,which are referred to herein either individually or collectively asantenna(s) 102, with appropriate subscripts generally employed only wheninstructive or convenient to highlight various distinctions or to betterimpart the disclosed concepts. In this example, each antenna 102 has amain beam 104. A main beam centerline 106 that represents an approximatecenter of main beam 104 can be used to describe azimuth 108 representingan angle between main beam centerline 106 and a reference direction (inthis case the North direction). In this example, antenna 102 ₁ has anazimuth 108 of α=30 degrees. Azimuths 108 for antennas 102 ₂ and 102 ₃generally differ by about 110-130 degrees in common configurations, andare here depicted as approximately α=150 degrees and α=270 degrees,respectively.

Antennas 102 will also have a beam width 110, which is generallyconsidered the area of main beam 104 at which the signal is at leasthalf the energy or power (e.g., the 3 dB point) as that seen at mainbeam centerline 106. As noted, a common configuration is to use three 65degree beam-width antennas, and in that case, the beam width 110 of agiven antenna 102 can be about β=65 degrees. Other beam widths 110 andnumber of antennas 102 are possible as well depending on design. Theedges of main beam 104 are sometimes referred to as half power beamwidth (HPBW) 112 (e.g., the 3 dB point).

Cell sites are typically configured to transmit and receive informationonly at frequencies that an associated mobile service provider isauthorized to utilize for services (e.g., by the FCC or anothergovernment agency or regulatory body), which are typically allocated inlarge blocks or ranges referred to herein as bands. A non-exhaustivelist of available bands is indicated at reference numeral 114. Mostbands are subdivided into smaller blocks of frequencies that aretypically labeled alphabetically. For example, the 700 MHz band has fiveblocks labeled A-E and each block is generally divided into two or morenon-contiguous sub-blocks, one or more for uplink traffic and one ormore for downlink traffic. For instance, the 700A block comprises anuplink portion (e.g., traffic from user equipment (UE) to access point)that designated as a frequency range from 698 MHz to 704 MHz, whereasthe downlink portion (e.g., traffic from the access point to the UE) isdesignated as a frequency range from 728 MHz to 734 MHz. Hence, uplinktraffic and downlink traffic for a given band generally do not interferewith each other.

On the other hand, traffic from one antenna (e.g., 102 ₁) generally doesinterfere with traffic from another antenna (e.g., 102 ₂) because allantennas 102 at a cell site typically use the same frequencies so thatall sectors have access to all available bands. Such interferencetypically does not affect communication within main beam 104 and/or beamwidth 110. However, such interference can be particularly problematic atboundaries 116 between sectors, where the signal strengths of adjacentsector antennas 102 are approximately the same and interfering with oneanother. Such areas are referred to herein as nulls 118.

UE devices that are geographically located within a null 118 willtypically experience non-optimal service. For example, asignal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) and received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) in a null 118 are much lower than when locatedwithin main beam 104. Poor SINR can result in numerous issues. Forinstance, data integrity can be compromised leading to re-transmissionrequests, which can tax UE battery life and negatively impact userexperiences. In some cases, communication sessions can stall or be lost.In areas with low SINR, service providers typically compensate by usinglower order codecs for such traffic, which is further described withreference to FIG. 1B.

Turning now to FIG. 1B, graphical illustration 120 is depicted.Graphical illustration 120 illustrates a view of an example distributionof codec efficiency for an example three-sector cell site. In thisexample, the coverage area of a three sector cell site is divided intofour regions, labeled here as 122, 124, 126, and 128. As can be seen,regions along the main beams (e.g., main beams 104), which have a veryhigh SINR, can use high efficiency codecs, e.g., four or more bits ofdata per encoding symbol. In these areas, throughput is typically verygood and the use of physical resource blocks (PRBs) is efficient sincemost of the traffic is the data payload rather than codec symbols due tothe high codec efficiency selection. Since SINR tends to be poor innulls (e.g., null 118) and gets worse as one approaches sectorboundaries (e.g., sector boundary 116), such is compensated for by usinglow efficiency codecs. Such results in allocating more PRBs to carrytraffic at slower rates. Throughput and capacity decrease across thesector as more PRBs are needed to serve traffic in the nulls, leavingless available traffic carrying PRBs for areas in the sector that havehigh SINR and where more efficient codecs are typically deployed.

The disclosed interleave techniques for long term evolution (LTE) andother suitable deployments seek to address several inherent issueswithin current LTE or other radio systems. These issues relate to theefficiency of PRBs and codec schemes beyond the 3 dB horizontal antennabeam-width (e.g., HPBW 112) of a macro antenna site. Beyond this 3 dBpoint (e.g., in nulls 118), spectrum and PRBs are used inefficiently dueto decreases in SINR. The disclosed interleave techniques address theseinefficiencies by creating new sectors through the deployment of anadditional antenna. These new antennas can be offset by 60 degrees tothat of the current traditional sectors, creating a 6-sector site, oralternatively an existing secondary antenna on each sector can bere-orientated to create the new interleaved sectors. However, unique tothis solution versus traditional sector configurations is, the newantennas will transmit a different frequency set than the currentsectors, creating gains in throughput and capacity via codec efficiencyrather than through use of additional spectrum. The disclosed techniquescan increase capacity, throughput, and coverage and can reduce powerconsumption both at the access point device and at the UE.

Example Interleaved Systems

With reference now to FIG. 2, system 200 is depicted. System 200 canprovide for interleaving transceivers with other transceivers thatoperate at different frequency ranges. For example, system 200 cancomprise a cell site 201 that can be or can include access point device202. The cell site 201 can comprise a first group oftransceivers/antennas (e.g., group 204) and a second group oftransceivers/antennas (e.g., interleaved group 206). In someembodiments, group 204 can be substantially similar totransceivers/antenna 102 ₁-102 ₃ described in connection with FIG. 1A.Group 204 can comprise three transceivers, but a different number oftransceivers is possible. Interleaved group 206 can comprise a likenumber (e.g., three or another number) of different transceivers thatare interleaved between the transceivers of group 204.

A spectrum device 208 can determine spectrum data 210 that is indicativeof frequency ranges cell site 201 utilizes for communication. Spectrumdata 210 can represent an entirety of frequency ranges cell site 201uses, is configured to use, and/or is authorized to use for over-the-aircommunication. Spectrum data 210 can comprise and/or be representativeof various carrier bands, which can be licensed, owned, or otherwiseauthorized for use. A non-exhaustive list of example carrier bands (andassociated frequency ranges) is provided at reference numeral 114.Hence, list 114 can be a representative example of spectrum data 210that a cell site 201 is authorized to use. Other examples of spectrumdata 210 can exist, and will generally be to some extent serviceprovider-specific. For example, some service providers may not use anyof the carrier band frequencies given in list 114, but will use othercarrier band frequencies instead. However, it is understood that thedisclosed subject matter can be nonetheless applicable in such cases.

In some embodiments, spectrum device 208 can be remote from cell site201. For example, spectrum device 208 can be in a core portion of acommunication network. In some embodiments, cell site 201 and/or accesspoint device 202 can comprise spectrum device 208. Spectrum device 208can further determine first portion data 212 that can be indicative of afirst portion of the frequency ranges. Spectrum device 210 can determinesecond portion data 214 indicative of a second portion of the frequencyranges that does not overlap the first portion.

In some embodiments, first portion data 212 can comprise or represent afirst carrier band and the second portion data 214 can comprise orrepresent a second carrier band that is not the first carrier band.Lists 213 and 215 provide representative examples that essentially divvyup the available carrier bands, or certain blocks of a carrier band,between first portion data 212 and second portion data 214. Thus, firstportion data 212 and second portion data 214 can describe numerousfrequency ranges that do not overlap. In some embodiments, first portiondata 212 and second portion data 214 can both represent approximatelyhalf of the frequency ranges represented by spectrum data 210.

Cell site 201 and/or access point device 202 can facilitate firstcommunication 216 via transceivers (e.g., group 204) that utilize thefirst portion of the frequency ranges (e.g., described by first portiondata 212). A first transceiver of the transceivers has a first azimuththat is not a second azimuth of a second transceiver of thetransceivers. Cell site 201 and/or access point device 202 canfacilitate second communication 218 via interleaved transceivers (e.g.,interleaved group 206) that utilize the second portion of the frequencyranges (e.g., described by second portion data 214). A first interleavedtransceiver of the interleaved transceivers has an interleaved azimuthapproximately midway between the first azimuth and the second azimuth.

In other words, transceivers of group 204 respectively cover uniquesectors, typically a full 360 degrees around cell site 201. Becausenulls will occur at sector boundaries (e.g., due to interference withneighboring transceivers of group 204), the main beams of interleavedtransceivers of interleaved group 206 can effectively cover those nulls.Similarly, an interleaved transceiver may interfere with anotherinterleaved transceiver of interleaved group 206, but the nulls therebycreated will be at the main beam region of the transceivers of group204. The transceivers of group 204 and the interleaved transceivers ofgroup 206 do not interfere with one another since communication for eachis at different frequency ranges and/or different carrier bands orcarrier band blocks. These and other elements are further detailed inconnection with FIG. 3.

Turning now to FIG. 3, graphical illustration 300 is provided. Graphicalillustration 300 depicts a side-by-side comparison between an examplethree sector site and an example six sector site with interleavedantennas that communicate via distinct frequencies. In previous systems,which are exemplified at the left portion of FIG. 3, all availablefrequencies and/or carrier bands (e.g., 114) a cell site is configuredto use are stacked at the same azimuths (e.g., 30 degrees, 150 degrees,and 270 degrees). Such provides a significant advantage in LTE and otherdeployments in the form of carrier aggregation (CA). In short, CA allowsfor using multiple carrier bands together in what is essentially anaggregated larger carrier that can provide higher throughput. Forexample, consider a UE that is configured to communicate at the 700 MHzcarrier band and at the broadband personal communications service (PCS)carrier band (e.g., 1900 MHz). Instead of using one or the other, the UEcan communicate with an access point device over both, effectivelygaining access to more frequencies for data traffic.

However, previous systems also have certain disadvantages such as havingsignificant null areas 118 with poor SINR and RSSI due to interferenceat sector boundary regions. The poor SINR requires less efficientcodecs, so more PRBs are needed to carry a given data payload. It shouldbe understood that merely adding additional antennas does not remedymany of the issues noted above. More antennas will provide more mainbeams where SINR is typically good, but will also create more nulls 118where SINR is poor, since each antenna will interfere with co-siteneighbors at frequencies that both antennas use.

The right portion of FIG. 3 shows an example of the disclosedinterleaved technique. It should be understood that the benefitsdetailed herein are not necessarily a function of doubling the number ofantennas, but rather are a function of the concept of using distinctfrequencies for interleaved antennas so that interference with co-siteneighbors is mitigated.

In this example, three transceivers 204 ₁-204 ₃ of group 204 aredepicted and deployed at azimuths that differ by about 120 degrees. Forexample, azimuth 302 ₁ (e.g., 30 degrees) differs from azimuth 302 ₃(e.g., 150 degrees) by about 120 degrees. Three interleaved transceivers206 ₁-206 ₃ of interleaved group 206 are also depicted with azimuthsthat are approximately midway between the azimuths of adjacenttransceivers 204. For example, azimuth 302 ₂ (e.g., 90 degrees) ismidway between azimuths 302 ₁ and 302 ₃.

Beam width 304 ₁ associated with one or more transceivers 204 can be anysuitable width (e.g., 65 degrees, 45 degrees, etc.) and can be the samefor all transceivers 204 or different for some transceivers 204. Beamwidth 304 ₂ associated with one or more interleaved transceivers 206 canbe any suitable width (e.g., 45 degrees, 65 degrees, etc.) and can bethe same for all interleaved transceivers 206 or different for someinterleaved transceivers 206. An example configuration can betransceivers 204 having beam width 304 ₁=65 degrees (similar to existingconfigurations to minimize costs by reusing equipment already located atcell sites) and interleaved transceivers 206 having beam width 304 ₂=45degrees to effectively cover nulls. Another example configuration isbeam widths 304 ₁ and 304 ₂ both being about 45 degrees.

As noted, all transceivers 204 can utilize frequency ranges associatedwith first portion data 212, whereas all interleaved transceivers 206can utilize frequency ranges associated with second portion data 214.Accordingly, communication via any of transceivers 204 will notsubstantially interfere with communication via any of interleavedtransceivers 206.

Since multiple carrier bands can be utilized for either or bothtransceivers 204 and interleaved transceivers 206, CA can be possiblefor the interleaved techniques disclosed herein. In some embodiments,the maximum throughput for the previous (non-interleaved) systems underideal conditions may be greater than what can be attained by aninterleaved embodiment. However, much of the coverage area, at mostdaily periods, is not in fact ideal conditions in previous systems. Inthis regard, the significant improvements to SINR (and RSSI) over theentire coverage area can provide a significant increase in throughputfor cell site 201 as a whole. Such can improve customer experiences(e.g., better connections, fewer timeouts, better average throughput,etc.) and improve UE battery life (e.g., fewer retries, etc.)

Moreover, because SINR is improved, more efficient codecs can be usedfor transmission of data. As a result, throughput can be increasedwithout increasing spectrum or PRBs. In this regard, model-based testingindicates that total cell efficiency for radio link control (RLC)throughput can be improved by about by about 52%, as shown Table Ibelow. Baseline throughput is based on a standard configuration (e.g.,see left portion of FIG. 3) of three 65-degree beam width antenna.Interleaved throughput is based on a three 65-degree beam width antennas(e.g., group 204) interleaved with three 45-degree beam width antenna(e.g., group 206). Configurations with all six antennas having 45-degree beam width show even greater improvement.

TABLE I Baseline 1186.9 Mbps Interleaved (65_45) 1803.3 Mbps %Improvement 51.94%

Table II below illustrates predicted improvements for three differentinterleaved configurations (bottom three rows) versus the baseline (toprow) and a second baseline comprising bi-sector antennas (BSA) (e.g.,three split-beam antennas and/or duo-sector antennas). Table IIillustrates a percentage of traffic served by SINR range. As can beseen, about 90% more traffic is served (e.g., relative to the baseline)by the interleaved configurations for SINR values between 10-20 dB.

TABLE II QPSK QPSK (<1.2 (1.4-2.2 bits/symbol) bits/symb.) 16 QAM 64 QAMSINR < SINR SINR SINR > 5 dB 5-10 dB 10-20 dB 20 dB Baseline 73.8 14.011.5 0.7 BSA (3 split 80.4 14.3 5.3 0 sectors) Interleaved 59.7 19.720.1 0.5 (6 × 65 deg) Interleaved (65_45) 57.3 19.9 21.8 1.1 Interleaved55.1 19.1 22.3 3.4 (6 × 65 deg)

TABLE III Effi- 2- 3- Total increase ciency carrier carrier Cell TP over(Kbps/ CA TP CA TP PRBs (Mbps) baseline PRBs) (Mbps) (Mbps) Baseline 1501186.9 — 95.2 2373.8 3560.7 BSA 300 1945.8 64% 77.4 3891.6 5837.4Interleaved 150 1660.9 40% 132.1 3321.8 4982.7 (6 × 65 deg) Interleaved150 1803.3 52% 142.9 3606.6 5409.9 (65_45) Interleaved 150 197301 66%157.1 3946.2 5919.3 (6 × 65 deg)

Table III above, illustrates comparisons of various interleavedconfigurations versus the baseline configuration and the BSAconfiguration. Aggregate throughput (TP) gains over the baselineconfiguration are observed in each scenario. While BSA gains were alsoachieved, it is noted BSA used twice as many physical resource blocks.Thus, BSA has the lowest efficiency (e.g., Kbps/PRBs) metric. UnlikeBSA, interleaved configurations have significant gains in boththroughput and efficiency, and such gains are achieved through spectralefficiency (e.g., no additional PRBs added) that result from betterSINR. Furthermore, the interleaved configurations show throughputratings of 2-carrier CA that are comparable or superior to 3-carrier CAof the baseline.

Turning now to FIG. 4, graphical illustration 400 is depicted. Graphicalillustration 400 provides side-by-side SINR plots comparison between abaseline and an example interleaved embodiment. Circle 402 a of thebaseline SINR plot on the left portion of FIG. 4 illustrates white areasindicating an SINR<−10 dB where service is likely unavailable. Circle402 b of the interleaved example on the right side of FIG. 4 illustratesvirtually all such areas have been eliminated. Areas that are less than−5 dB can be eliminated or mitigated as illustrated by circle 404 a tocircle 404 b. Circles 406 a and 406 b illustrate that nearly 360 degreesaround cell sites (e.g., cell site 201) can be improved by interleavedexamples to have SINR values greater than 10 dB.

With reference now to FIG. 5, system 500 is depicted. System 500 canprovide for additional elements or aspects in connection withinterleaving separate frequency transceivers with other transceivers.For example, in some embodiments, spectrum device 208 can determine anupdate 502 to spectrum data 210. Update 502 can result in an update toone or both first portion data 212 and second portion data 214. As oneexample, certain frequencies or one or more carrier bands can be swappedbetween first portion data 212 and second portion data 214, sotransceivers of group 204 and interleaved group 206 communicateaccording to the update 502 (e.g., using updated frequencies or carrierband(s)). Certain current and next generation transceivers/antenna canenable such updates 502 on a sub-second basis.

In some embodiments, update 502 can be based on data 504 received byspectrum device 208. For example, data 504 can comprise various loadmetrics, use profiles, other performance indicators, or forecastedmetrics, profiles, or indicators.

In some embodiments, spectrum device 208 can determine third portiondata 506 indicative of a third portion of the frequency ranges (e.g.,spectrum data 210) comprising a portion of the second portion (e.g.,second portion data 214). In other words, spectrum data 210 can beseparated into three rather than two distinct portions, which can beuseful in certain scenarios. In some embodiments, second communication218 can comprise communication via one or more of the interleavedtransceivers of interleaved group 206 that utilizes the third portion ofthe frequency ranges. In some embodiments, update 502 can compriseupdating the third portion data 506. Such can be based on data 504 aswell.

Example Methods

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate various methodologies in accordance with thedisclosed subject matter. While, for purposes of simplicity ofexplanation, the methodologies are shown and described as a series ofacts, it is to be understood and appreciated that the disclosed subjectmatter is not limited by the order of acts, as some acts may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other acts from that shown anddescribed herein. For example, those skilled in the art will understandand appreciate that a methodology could alternatively be represented asa series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram.Moreover, not all illustrated acts may be required to implement amethodology in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.Additionally, it should be further appreciated that the methodologiesdisclosed hereinafter and throughout this specification are capable ofbeing stored on an article of manufacture to facilitate transporting andtransferring such methodologies to computers.

Turning now to FIG. 6, exemplary method 600 is depicted. Method 600 canprovide for interleaving transceivers with other transceivers thatoperate at different frequency ranges. For example, at reference numeral602, a network device comprising a processor can determine first portiondata representing a portion of all spectrum an access point device usesto communicate over the air. The spectrum can be licensed spectrum orother spectrum an operator is authorized to use for over the aircommunication.

At reference numeral 604, the network device second portion dataindicative of a remaining portion of the spectrum. For example, thefirst portion data and the second portion data can include frequenciesand/or carrier band blocks that do not overlap. In some embodiments, thefirst portion data and the second portion data can represent about halfof the total spectrum.

At reference numeral 606, the network device can facilitate firstcommunication via transceivers that utilize the first portion data. Afirst transceiver of the transceivers can have a first azimuth that isnot a second azimuth of a second transceiver of the transceivers. Inother words, the transceivers can be arranged at different angles, e.g.,to cover 360 degrees around a cell site. In some embodiments, a numberof the transceivers can be three or more. In some embodiments, the firsttransceiver can be a 65 degree beam width transceiver or a 45 degreebeam width transceiver.

At reference numeral 608, the network device can facilitate secondcommunication via interleaved transceivers that utilize the secondportion data, wherein a first interleaved transceiver of the interleavedtransceivers has an interleaved azimuth approximately midway between thefirst azimuth and the second azimuth. In other words, the interleavedtransceivers can be arranged to have a main beam that overlaps nullareas of the transceivers. As one result, SINR, RSSI, and/or coveragearea can be increased. In some embodiments, a number of the interleavedtransceivers can be equal to the number of transceivers (e.g., three ormore). In some embodiments, the first interleaved transceiver can be a45 degree beam width transceiver or a 65 degree beam width transceiver.Method 600 can proceed to insert A, which is further detailed inconnection with FIG. 7, or stop.

With reference now to FIG. 7, exemplary method 700 is illustrated.Method 700 can provide for additional elements or aspects in connectionwith interleaving transceivers with other transceivers that operate atdifferent frequency ranges. For example, at reference numeral 702, thenetwork device can determine an update to the first portion data and thesecond portion data based on a performance indicator. For example,frequencies and/or carrier band blocks can be moved from the firstportion data (utilized by the transceivers) to the second portion data(utilized by the interleaved transceivers) or vice versa.

At reference numeral 704, the network device can determine an update tothe first portion data and the second portion data, wherein the updatecomprises swapping a carrier band of the spectrum between the firstportion data and the second portion data. In some embodiments,determination can be based on the performance indicator.

At reference numeral 706, the network device can determine an allocationof the spectrum between the portion and the remaining portion based on adefined ratio. In some embodiments, the defined ratio can be determinedbased on the performance ratio. In some embodiments, the defined ratiocan be updated or selected based on characteristics of a given cellsite.

Example Operating Environments

To provide further context for various aspects of the subjectspecification, FIG. 8 illustrates an example wireless communicationenvironment 800, with associated components that can enable operation ofa femtocell enterprise network in accordance with aspects describedherein. Wireless communication environment 800 comprises two wirelessnetwork platforms: (i) A macro network platform 810 that serves, orfacilitates communication with user equipment 875 via a macro radioaccess network (RAN) 870. It should be appreciated that in cellularwireless technologies (e.g., 4G, 3GPP UMTS, HSPA, 3GPP LTE, 3GPP UMB,5G), macro network platform 810 is embodied in a Core Network. (ii) Afemto network platform 880, which can provide communication with UE 875through a femto RAN 890, linked to the femto network platform 880through a routing platform 887 via backhaul pipe(s) 885. It should beappreciated that femto network platform 880 typically offloads UE 875from macro network, once UE 875 attaches (e.g., through macro-to-femtohandover, or via a scan of channel resources in idle mode) to femto RAN.

It is noted that RAN comprises base station(s), or access point(s), andits associated electronic circuitry and deployment site(s), in additionto a wireless radio link operated in accordance with the basestation(s). Accordingly, macro RAN 870 can comprise various coveragecells, while femto RAN 890 can comprise multiple femto access points ormultiple metro cell access points. As mentioned above, it is to beappreciated that deployment density in femto RAN 890 can besubstantially higher than in macro RAN 870.

Generally, both macro and femto network platforms 810 and 880 comprisecomponents, e.g., nodes, gateways, interfaces, servers, or platforms,that facilitate both packet-switched (PS) (e.g., internet protocol (IP),Ethernet, frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)) andcircuit-switched (CS) traffic (e.g., voice and data) and controlgeneration for networked wireless communication. In an aspect of thesubject innovation, macro network platform 810 comprises CS gatewaynode(s) 812 which can interface CS traffic received from legacy networkslike telephony network(s) 840 (e.g., public switched telephone network(PSTN), or public land mobile network (PLMN)) or a SS7 network 860.Circuit switched gateway 812 can authorize and authenticate traffic(e.g., voice) arising from such networks. Additionally, CS gateway 812can access mobility, or roaming, data generated through SS7 network 860;for instance, mobility data stored in a VLR, which can reside in memory830. Moreover, CS gateway node(s) 812 interfaces CS-based traffic andsignaling and gateway node(s) 818. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTSnetwork, gateway node(s) 818 can be embodied in gateway GPRS supportnode(s) (GGSN).

In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic andsignaling, gateway node(s) 818 can authorize and authenticate PS-baseddata sessions with served (e.g., through macro RAN) wireless devices.Data sessions can comprise traffic exchange with networks external tothe macro network platform 810, like wide area network(s) (WANs) 850; itshould be appreciated that local area network(s) (LANs) can also beinterfaced with macro network platform 810 through gateway node(s) 818.Gateway node(s) 818 generates packet data contexts when a data sessionis established. To that end, in an aspect, gateway node(s) 818 cancomprise a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG) in3GPP UMTS network(s); not shown) which can facilitate packetizedcommunication with disparate wireless network(s), such as Wi-Finetworks. It should be further appreciated that the packetizedcommunication can comprise multiple flows that can be generated throughserver(s) 814. It is to be noted that in 3GPP UMTS network(s), gatewaynode(s) 818 (e.g., GGSN) and tunnel interface (e.g., TTG) comprise apacket data gateway (PDG).

Macro network platform 810 also comprises serving node(s) 816 thatconvey the various packetized flows of information or data streams,received through gateway node(s) 818. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTSnetwork, serving node(s) can be embodied in serving GPRS support node(s)(SGSN).

As indicated above, server(s) 814 in macro network platform 810 canexecute numerous applications (e.g., location services, online gaming,wireless banking, wireless device management . . . ) that generatemultiple disparate packetized data streams or flows, and manage (e.g.,schedule, queue, format . . . ) such flows. Such application(s), forexample can comprise add-on features to standard services provided bymacro network platform 810. Data streams can be conveyed to gatewaynode(s) 818 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a datasession, and to serving node(s) 816 for communication thereafter.Server(s) 814 can also effect security (e.g., implement one or morefirewalls) of macro network platform 810 to ensure network's operationand data integrity in addition to authorization and authenticationprocedures that CS gateway node(s) 812 and gateway node(s) 818 canenact. Moreover, server(s) 814 can provision services from externalnetwork(s), e.g., WAN 850, or Global Positioning System (GPS) network(s)(not shown). It is to be noted that server(s) 814 can comprise one ormore processor configured to confer at least in part the functionalityof macro network platform 810. To that end, the one or more processorcan execute code instructions stored in memory 830, for example.

In example wireless environment 800, memory 830 stores informationrelated to operation of macro network platform 810. Information cancomprise business data associated with subscribers; market plans andstrategies, e.g., promotional campaigns, business partnerships;operational data for mobile devices served through macro networkplatform; service and privacy policies; end-user service logs for lawenforcement; and so forth. Memory 830 can also store information from atleast one of telephony network(s) 840, WAN(s) 850, or SS7 network 860,enterprise NW(s) 865, or service NW(s) 867.

Femto gateway node(s) 884 have substantially the same functionality asPS gateway node(s) 818. Additionally, femto gateway node(s) 884 can alsocomprise substantially all functionality of serving node(s) 816. In anaspect, femto gateway node(s) 884 facilitates handover resolution, e.g.,assessment and execution. Further, control node(s) 820 can receivehandover requests and relay them to a handover component (not shown) viagateway node(s) 884. According to an aspect, control node(s) 820 cansupport RNC capabilities.

Server(s) 882 have substantially the same functionality as described inconnection with server(s) 814. In an aspect, server(s) 882 can executemultiple application(s) that provide service (e.g., voice and data) towireless devices served through femto RAN 890. Server(s) 882 can alsoprovide security features to femto network platform. In addition,server(s) 882 can manage (e.g., schedule, queue, format . . . )substantially all packetized flows (e.g., IP-based) it generates inaddition to data received from macro network platform 810. It is to benoted that server(s) 882 can comprise one or more processor configuredto confer at least in part the functionality of macro network platform810. To that end, the one or more processor can execute codeinstructions stored in memory 886, for example.

Memory 886 can comprise information relevant to operation of the variouscomponents of femto network platform 880. For example operationalinformation that can be stored in memory 886 can comprise, but is notlimited to, subscriber information; contracted services; maintenance andservice records; femto cell configuration (e.g., devices served throughfemto RAN 890; access control lists, or white lists); service policiesand specifications; privacy policies; add-on features; and so forth.

It is noted that femto network platform 880 and macro network platform810 can be functionally connected through one or more reference link(s)or reference interface(s). In addition, femto network platform 880 canbe functionally coupled directly (not illustrated) to one or more ofexternal network(s) 840, 850, 860, 865 or 867. Reference link(s) orinterface(s) can functionally link at least one of gateway node(s) 884or server(s) 886 to the one or more external networks 840, 850, 860, 865or 867.

FIG. 9 illustrates a wireless environment that comprises macro cells andfemtocells for wireless coverage in accordance with aspects describedherein. In wireless environment 905, two areas represent “macro” cellcoverage; each macro cell is served by a base station 910. It can beappreciated that macro cell coverage area 905 and base station 910 cancomprise functionality, as more fully described herein, for example,with regard to system 900. Macro coverage is generally intended to servemobile wireless devices, like UE 920 _(A), 920 _(B), in outdoorslocations. An over-the-air (OTA) wireless link 935 provides suchcoverage, the wireless link 935 comprises a downlink (DL) and an uplink(UL), and utilizes a predetermined band, licensed or unlicensed, of theradio frequency (RF) spectrum. As an example, UE 920 _(A), 920 _(B) canbe a 3GPP Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) mobile phone.It is noted that a set of base stations, its associated electronics,circuitry or components, base stations control component(s), andwireless links operated in accordance to respective base stations in theset of base stations form a radio access network (RAN). In addition,base station 910 communicates via backhaul link(s) 951 with a macronetwork platform 960, which in cellular wireless technologies (e.g., 3rdGeneration Partnership Project (3GPP) Universal Mobile TelecommunicationSystem (UMTS), Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM)) representsa core network.

In an aspect, macro network platform 960 controls a set of base stations910 that serve either respective cells or a number of sectors withinsuch cells. Base station 910 comprises radio equipment 914 for operationin one or more radio technologies, and a set of antennas 912 (e.g.,smart antennas, microwave antennas, satellite dish(es) . . . ) that canserve one or more sectors within a macro cell 905. It is noted that aset of radio network control node(s), which can be a part of macronetwork platform 960; a set of base stations (e.g., Node B 910) thatserve a set of macro cells 905; electronics, circuitry or componentsassociated with the base stations in the set of base stations; a set ofrespective OTA wireless links (e.g., links 915 or 916) operated inaccordance to a radio technology through the base stations; and backhaullink(s) 955 and 951 form a macro radio access network (RAN). Macronetwork platform 960 also communicates with other base stations (notshown) that serve other cells (not shown). Backhaul link(s) 951 or 953can comprise a wired backbone link (e.g., optical fiber backbone,twisted-pair line, T1/E1 phone line, a digital subscriber line (DSL)either synchronous or asynchronous, an asymmetric ADSL, or a coaxialcable . . . ) or a wireless (e.g., line-of-sight (LOS) or non-LOS)backbone link. Backhaul pipe(s) 955 link disparate base stations 910.According to an aspect, backhaul link 953 can connect multiple femtoaccess points 930 and/or controller components (CC) 901 to the femtonetwork platform 902. In one example, multiple femto APs can beconnected to a routing platform (RP) 987, which in turn can be connectto a controller component (CC) 901. Typically, the information from UEs920 _(A) can be routed by the RP 987, for example, internally, toanother UE 920 _(A) connected to a disparate femto AP connected to theRP 987, or, externally, to the femto network platform 902 via the CC901, as discussed in detail supra.

In wireless environment 905, within one or more macro cell(s) 905, a setof femtocells 945 served by respective femto access points (APs) 930 canbe deployed. It can be appreciated that, aspects of the subjectinnovation can be geared to femtocell deployments with substantive femtoAP density, e.g., 9⁴-10⁷ femto APs 930 per base station 910. Accordingto an aspect, a set of femto access points 930 ₁-930 _(N), with N anatural number, can be functionally connected to a routing platform 987,which can be functionally coupled to a controller component 901. Thecontroller component 901 can be operationally linked to the femtonetwork platform 902 by employing backhaul link(s) 953. Accordingly, UE920 _(A) connected to femto APs 930 ₁-930 _(N) can communicateinternally within the femto enterprise via the routing platform (RP) 987and/or can also communicate with the femto network platform 902 via theRP 987, controller component 901 and the backhaul link(s) 953. It can beappreciated that although only one femto enterprise is depicted in FIG.9, multiple femto enterprise networks can be deployed within a macrocell 905.

It is noted that while various aspects, features, or advantagesdescribed herein have been illustrated through femto access point(s) andassociated femto coverage, such aspects and features also can beexploited for home access point(s) (HAPs) that provide wireless coveragethrough substantially any, or any, disparate telecommunicationtechnologies, such as for example Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) or picocelltelecommunication. Additionally, aspects, features, or advantages of thesubject innovation can be exploited in substantially any wirelesstelecommunication, or radio, technology; for example, Wi-Fi, WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Enhanced General PacketRadio Service (Enhanced GPRS), 3GPP LTE, 3GPP2 UMB, 3GPP UMTS, HSPA,HSDPA, HSUPA, or LTE Advanced. Moreover, substantially all aspects ofthe subject innovation can comprise legacy telecommunicationtechnologies.

With respect to FIG. 9, in example embodiment 900, base station AP 910can receive and transmit signal(s) (e.g., traffic and control signals)from and to wireless devices, access terminals, wireless ports androuters, etc., through a set of antennas 912 ₁-912 _(N). It should beappreciated that while antennas 912 ₁-912 _(N) are a part ofcommunication platform 925, which comprises electronic components andassociated circuitry that provides for processing and manipulating ofreceived signal(s) (e.g., a packet flow) and signal(s) (e.g., abroadcast control channel) to be transmitted. In an aspect,communication platform 925 comprises a transmitter/receiver (e.g., atransceiver) 966 that can convert signal(s) from analog format todigital format upon reception, and from digital format to analog formatupon transmission. In addition, receiver/transmitter 966 can divide asingle data stream into multiple, parallel data streams, or perform thereciprocal operation. Coupled to transceiver 966 is amultiplexer/demultiplexer 967 that facilitates manipulation of signal intime and frequency space. Electronic component 967 can multiplexinformation (data/traffic and control/signaling) according to variousmultiplexing schemes such as time division multiplexing (TDM), frequencydivision multiplexing (FDM), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing(OFDM), code division multiplexing (CDM), space division multiplexing(SDM). In addition, mux/demux component 967 can scramble and spreadinformation (e.g., codes) according to substantially any code known inthe art; e.g., Hadamard-Walsh codes, Baker codes, Kasami codes,polyphase codes, and so on. A modulator/demodulator 968 is also a partof operational group 925, and can modulate information according tomultiple modulation techniques, such as frequency modulation, amplitudemodulation (e.g., M-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), with M apositive integer), phase-shift keying (PSK), and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is illustrated a block diagram of anexemplary computer system operable to execute the disclosedarchitecture. In order to provide additional context for various aspectsof the disclosed subject matter, FIG. 10 and the following discussionare intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitablecomputing environment 1000 in which the various aspects of the disclosedsubject matter can be implemented. Additionally, while the disclosedsubject matter described above may be suitable for application in thegeneral context of computer-executable instructions that may run on oneor more computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that thedisclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination withother program modules and/or as a combination of hardware and software.

Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the inventive methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

The illustrated aspects of the disclosed subject matter may also bepracticed in distributed computing environments where certain tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

A computer typically comprises a variety of computer-readable media.Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessedby the computer and comprises both volatile and nonvolatile media,removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and notlimitation, computer-readable media can comprise computer storage mediaand communication media. Computer storage media can comprise eithervolatile or nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implementedin any method or technology for storage of information such ascomputer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules orother data. Computer storage media comprises, but is not limited to,RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM,digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store thedesired information and which can be accessed by the computer.

Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, andcomprises any information delivery media. The term “modulated datasignal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics setor changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. Byway of example, and not limitation, communication media comprises wiredmedia such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wirelessmedia such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.Combinations of the any of the above should also be included within thescope of computer-readable media.

Still referring to FIG. 10, the exemplary environment 1000 forimplementing various aspects of the disclosed subject matter comprises acomputer 1002, the computer 1002 including a processing unit 1004, asystem memory 1006 and a system bus 1008. The system bus 1008 couples tosystem components including, but not limited to, the system memory 1006to the processing unit 1004. The processing unit 1004 can be any ofvarious commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors andother multi-processor architectures may also be employed as theprocessing unit 1004.

The system bus 1008 can be any of several types of bus structure thatmay further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 1006comprises read-only memory (ROM) 1010 and random access memory (RAM)1012. A basic input/output system (BIOS) is stored in a non-volatilememory 1010 such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basicroutines that help to transfer information between elements within thecomputer 1002, such as during start-up. The RAM 1012 can also comprise ahigh-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 1002 further comprises an internal hard disk drive (HDD)1014 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive 1014 may also beconfigured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), amagnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 1016, (e.g., to read from or write to aremovable diskette 1018) and an optical disk drive 1020, (e.g., readinga CD-ROM disk 1022 or, to read from or write to other high capacityoptical media such as the DVD). The hard disk drive 1014, magnetic diskdrive 1016 and optical disk drive 1020 can be connected to the systembus 1008 by a hard disk drive interface 1024, a magnetic disk driveinterface 1026 and an optical drive interface 1028, respectively. Theinterface 1024 for external drive implementations comprises at least oneor both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interfacetechnologies. Other external drive connection technologies are withincontemplation of the subject matter disclosed herein.

The drives and their associated computer-readable media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 1002, the drives and mediaaccommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable media above refers to aHDD, a removable magnetic diskette, and a removable optical media suchas a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat other types of media which are readable by a computer, such as zipdrives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, and thelike, may also be used in the exemplary operating environment, andfurther, that any such media may contain computer-executableinstructions for performing the methods of the disclosed subject matter.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 1012,including an operating system 1030, one or more application programs1032, other program modules 1034 and program data 1036. All or portionsof the operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 1012. It is appreciated that the disclosed subjectmatter can be implemented with various commercially available operatingsystems or combinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 1002 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 1038 and apointing device, such as a mouse 1040. Other input devices (not shown)may comprise a microphone, an IR remote control, a joystick, a game pad,a stylus pen, touch screen, or the like. These and other input devicesare often connected to the processing unit 1004 through an input deviceinterface 1042 that is coupled to the system bus 1008, but can beconnected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394serial port, a game port, a USB port, an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 1044 or other type of display device is also connected to thesystem bus 1008 via an interface, such as a video adapter 1046. Inaddition to the monitor 1044, a computer typically comprises otherperipheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 1002 may operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1048. The remotecomputer(s) 1048 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, a mobile device, portable computer,microprocessor-based entertainment appliance, a peer device or othercommon network node, and typically comprises many or all of the elementsdescribed relative to the computer 1002, although, for purposes ofbrevity, only a memory/storage device 1050 is illustrated. The logicalconnections depicted comprise wired/wireless connectivity to a localarea network (LAN) 1052 and/or larger networks, e.g., a wide areanetwork (WAN) 1054. Such LAN and WAN networking environments arecommonplace in offices and companies, and facilitate enterprise-widecomputer networks, such as intranets, all of which may connect to aglobal communications network, e.g., the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1002 isconnected to the local network 1052 through a wired and/or wirelesscommunication network interface or adapter 1056. The adapter 1056 mayfacilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 1052, which mayalso comprise a wireless access point disposed thereon for communicatingwith the wireless adapter 1056.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1002 cancomprise a modem 1058, or is connected to a communications server on theWAN 1054, or has other means for establishing communications over theWAN 1054, such as by way of the Internet. The modem 1058, which can beinternal or external and a wired or wireless device, is connected to thesystem bus 1008 via the serial port interface 1042. In a networkedenvironment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 1002, orportions thereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device1050. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown areexemplary and other means of establishing a communications link betweenthe computers can be used.

The computer 1002 is operable to communicate with any wireless devicesor entities operatively disposed in wireless communication, e.g., aprinter, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portable dataassistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment or locationassociated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand,restroom), and telephone. This comprises at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth™wireless technologies. Thus, the communication can be a predefinedstructure as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoccommunication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows connection to the Internet from acouch at home, a bed in a hotel room, or a conference room at work,without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology similar to that used in acell phone that enables such devices, e.g., computers, to send andreceive data indoors and out; anywhere within the range of a basestation. Wi-Fi networks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b,g, n, etc.) to provide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. AWi-Fi network can be used to connect computers to each other, to theInternet, and to wired networks (which use IEEE802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Finetworks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, at an 11Mbps (802.11b) or 54 Mbps (802.11a) data rate, for example, or withproducts that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks canprovide real-world performance similar to the basic “10BaseT” wiredEthernet networks used in many offices.

What has been described above comprises examples of the variousembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing the embodiments, but one of ordinary skill in the art mayrecognize that many further combinations and permutations are possible.Accordingly, the detailed description is intended to embrace all suchalterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spiritand scope of the appended claims.

As used in this application, the terms “system,” “component,”“interface,” and the like are generally intended to refer to acomputer-related entity or an entity related to an operational machinewith one or more specific functionalities. The entities disclosed hereincan be either hardware, a combination of hardware and software,software, or software in execution. For example, a component may be, butis not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor,an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or acomputer. By way of illustration, both an application running on aserver and the server can be a component. One or more components mayreside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component maybe localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. These components also can execute from various computerreadable storage media having various data structures stored thereon.The components may communicate via local and/or remote processes such asin accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., datafrom one component interacting with another component in a local system,distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet withother systems via the signal). As another example, a component can be anapparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical partsoperated by electric or electronic circuitry that is operated bysoftware or firmware application(s) executed by a processor, wherein theprocessor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes atleast a part of the software or firmware application. As yet anotherexample, a component can be an apparatus that provides specificfunctionality through electronic components without mechanical parts,the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to executesoftware or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality ofthe electronic components. An interface can comprise input/output (I/O)components as well as associated processor, application, and/or APIcomponents.

Furthermore, the disclosed subject matter may be implemented as amethod, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programmingand/or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware,or any combination thereof to control a computer to implement thedisclosed subject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as usedherein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from by acomputing device.

As it employed in the subject specification, the term “processor” canrefer to substantially any computing processing unit or devicecomprising, but not limited to comprising, single-core processors;single-processors with software multithread execution capability;multi-core processors; multi-core processors with software multithreadexecution capability; multi-core processors with hardware multithreadtechnology; parallel platforms; and parallel platforms with distributedshared memory. Additionally, a processor can refer to an integratedcircuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digitalsignal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), aprogrammable logic controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic device(CPLD), a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardwarecomponents, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functionsdescribed herein. Processors can exploit nano-scale architectures suchas, but not limited to, molecular and quantum-dot based transistors,switches and gates, in order to optimize space usage or enhanceperformance of user equipment. A processor also can be implemented as acombination of computing processing units.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “data store,” “datastorage,” “database,” “repository,” “queue”, and substantially any otherinformation storage component relevant to operation and functionality ofa component, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile andnonvolatile memory. In addition, memory components or memory elementscan be removable or stationary. Moreover, memory can be internal orexternal to a device or component, or removable or stationary. Memorycan comprise various types of media that are readable by a computer,such as hard-disc drives, zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memorycards or other types of memory cards, cartridges, or the like.

By way of illustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile memory cancomprise read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electricallyprogrammable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flashmemory. Volatile memory can comprise random access memory (RAM), whichacts as external cache memory. By way of illustration and notlimitation, RAM is available in many forms such as synchronous RAM(SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rateSDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), anddirect Rambus RAM (DRRAM). Additionally, the disclosed memory componentsof systems or methods herein are intended to comprise, without beinglimited to comprising, these and any other suitable types of memory.

In particular and in regard to the various functions performed by theabove described components, devices, circuits, systems and the like, theterms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe suchcomponents are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, toany component which performs the specified function of the describedcomponent (e.g., a functional equivalent), even though not structurallyequivalent to the disclosed structure, which performs the function inthe herein illustrated exemplary aspects of the embodiments. In thisregard, it will also be recognized that the embodiments comprises asystem as well as a computer-readable medium having computer-executableinstructions for performing the acts and/or events of the variousmethods.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which cancomprise computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structureddata, or unstructured data. Computer-readable storage media cancomprise, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory orother memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or otheroptical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or other tangible and/ornon-transitory media which can be used to store desired information.Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local orremote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or otherdata retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect tothe information stored by the medium.

On the other hand, communications media typically embodycomputer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules orother structured or unstructured data in a data signal such as amodulated data signal, e.g., a carrier wave or other transportmechanism, and comprises any information delivery or transport media.The term “modulated data signal” or signals refers to a signal that hasone or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as toencode information in one or more signals. By way of example, and notlimitation, communications media comprise wired media, such as a wirednetwork or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic,RF, infrared and other wireless media

Further, terms like “user equipment,” “user device,” “mobile device,”“mobile,” station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,” andsimilar terminology, generally refer to a wireless device utilized by asubscriber or user of a wireless communication network or service toreceive or convey data, control, voice, video, sound, gaming, orsubstantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. The foregoing termsare utilized interchangeably in the subject specification and relateddrawings. Likewise, the terms “access point,” “node B,” “base station,”“evolved Node B,” “cell,” “cell site,” and the like, can be utilizedinterchangeably in the subject application, and refer to a wirelessnetwork component or appliance that serves and receives data, control,voice, video, sound, gaming, or substantially any data-stream orsignaling-stream from a set of subscriber stations. Data and signalingstreams can be packetized or frame-based flows. It is noted that in thesubject specification and drawings, context or explicit distinctionprovides differentiation with respect to access points or base stationsthat serve and receive data from a mobile device in an outdoorenvironment, and access points or base stations that operate in aconfined, primarily indoor environment overlaid in an outdoor coveragearea. Data and signaling streams can be packetized or frame-based flows.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer,” andthe like are employed interchangeably throughout the subjectspecification, unless context warrants particular distinction(s) amongthe terms. It should be appreciated that such terms can refer to humanentities, associated devices, or automated components supported throughartificial intelligence (e.g., a capacity to make inference based oncomplex mathematical formalisms) which can provide simulated vision,sound recognition and so forth. In addition, the terms “wirelessnetwork” and “network” are used interchangeable in the subjectapplication, when context wherein the term is utilized warrantsdistinction for clarity purposes such distinction is made explicit.

Moreover, the word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as anexample, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design describedherein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the wordexemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As usedin this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or”rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise, orclear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of thenatural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; orX employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under anyof the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” asused in this application and the appended claims should generally beconstrued to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear fromcontext to be directed to a singular form.

In addition, while a particular feature may have been disclosed withrespect to only one of several implementations, such feature may becombined with one or more other features of the other implementations asmay be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes” and “including” andvariants thereof are used in either the detailed description or theclaims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar tothe term “comprising.”

What is claimed is:
 1. An access point device, comprising: a processor;and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed bythe processor, facilitate performance of operations, comprising: using afirst frequency band selected from a first group of frequency bands tocommunicate, via a first transceiver, with first user equipment situatedin a first sector of a cell served by the access point device, whereinthe first transceiver is configured with a first azimuth thatcorresponds to the first sector; using a second frequency band selectedfrom the first group of frequency bands to communicate, via a secondtransceiver, with second user equipment situated in a second sector ofthe cell, wherein the second transceiver is configured with a secondazimuth that corresponds to the second sector; and using a thirdfrequency band selected from a second group of frequency bands tocommunicate, via an interleaved transceiver, with third user equipmentsituated in a sector boundary region between the first sector and thesecond sector, wherein the interleaved transceiver is configured with aninterleaved azimuth that corresponds to the sector boundary region, andwherein the second group of frequency bands does not include members ofthe first group of frequency bands.
 2. The access point device of claim1, wherein the first frequency band is the second frequency band.
 3. Theaccess point device of claim 1, wherein a main beam of the interleavedtransceiver overlaps a null region resulting from interference, at thesector boundary region, between signals of the first group of frequencybands.
 4. The access point device of claim 1, wherein the operationsfurther comprise selecting a first portion of frequency bands supportedby the access point device as first members of the first group offrequency bands and selecting a second portion of frequency bandssupported by the access point device as second members of the secondgroup of frequency bands.
 5. The access point device of claim 4, whereinthe operations further comprise determining an update to membership ofthe first group of frequency bands, and wherein the update comprisesremoving a first member of the first group of frequency bands to thesecond group of frequency bands in response to a load metric of theaccess point device.
 6. The access point device of claim 1, wherein theoperations further comprise using a fourth frequency band selected fromthe first group of frequency bands to communicate, via a thirdtransceiver, with fourth user equipment situated in a third sector ofthe cell, wherein the third transceiver is configured with a thirdazimuth that corresponds to the third sector, wherein the first azimuthdiffers from the second azimuth and the third azimuth by between 110degrees and 130 degrees, and wherein the second azimuth differs from thethird azimuth by between 110 degrees and 130 degrees.
 7. The accesspoint device of claim 6, wherein the interleaved transceiver is a firstinterleaved transceiver, the interleaved azimuth is a first interleavedazimuth, and the sector boundary region is a first sector boundaryregion, and wherein the operations further comprise: using a fifthfrequency band selected from the second group of frequency bands tocommunicate, via a second interleaved transceiver, with fifth userequipment situated in a second sector boundary region between the thirdsector and the second sector, wherein the second interleaved transceiveris configured with a second interleaved azimuth that corresponds to thesecond sector boundary region; and using a sixth frequency band selectedfrom the second group of frequency bands to communicate, via a thirdinterleaved transceiver, with sixth user equipment situated in a thirdsector boundary region between the third sector and the first sector,wherein the third interleaved transceiver is configured with a thirdinterleaved azimuth that corresponds to the third sector boundaryregion.
 8. The access point device of claim 7, wherein the firstinterleaved azimuth differs from the second interleaved azimuth and thethird interleaved azimuth by between 110 degrees and 130 degrees, andwherein the second interleaved azimuth differs from the thirdinterleaved azimuth by between 110 degrees and 130 degrees.
 9. Theaccess point device of claim 8, wherein the first transceiver, thesecond transceiver, and the third transceiver have respective main beamwidths of approximately 65 degrees.
 10. The access point device of claim8, wherein the first interleaved transceiver, the second interleavedtransceiver, and the third interleaved transceiver have respective mainbeam widths of approximately 45 degrees.
 11. The access point device ofclaim 8, wherein the first transceiver, the second transceiver, and thethird transceiver have respective main beam widths of approximately 45degrees.
 12. A machine-readable storage medium, comprising executableinstructions that, when executed by a processor, facilitate performanceof operations, comprising, comprising: employing a first transceiver ofan access point device to communicate with a first user equipment thatis situated in a first sector of a cell served by the first transceiver,wherein the first transceiver has a first azimuth that corresponds tothe first sector and communicates with the first user equipment via afirst frequency band of a first group of frequency bands supported bythe access point device; employing a second transceiver of the accesspoint device to communicate with a second user equipment that issituated in a second sector of the cell served by the secondtransceiver, wherein the second transceiver has a second azimuth thatcorresponds to the second sector and communicates with the second userequipment via a second frequency band of the first group of frequencybands; and employing an interleaved transceiver of the access pointdevice to communicate with a third user equipment that is situated in asector boundary region between the first sector and the second sector,wherein the interleaved transceiver has an interleaved azimuth thatcorresponds to the sector boundary region and communicates with thethird user equipment via a third frequency band of a second group offrequency bands that does not include members of the first group offrequency bands.
 13. The machine-readable storage medium of claim 12,wherein the first frequency band is the second frequency band.
 14. Themachine-readable storage medium of claim 12, wherein a main beam of theinterleaved transceiver overlaps a null region resulting frominterference at the sector boundary region between signals of the firstgroup of frequency bands.
 15. The machine-readable storage medium ofclaim 12, wherein the operations further comprise selecting a firstportion of frequency bands supported by the access point device as firstmembers of the first group of frequency bands and selecting a secondportion of frequency bands supported by the access point device assecond members of the second group of frequency bands.
 16. Themachine-readable storage medium of claim 12, wherein the first azimuthdiffers from the second azimuth by between 110 degrees and 130 degrees,and wherein the interleaved azimuth is approximately midway between thefirst azimuth and the second azimuth.
 17. A method, comprising:instructing, by a device comprising a processor, a first transceiver ofan access point device to communicate with a first user equipment thatis situated in a first sector of a cell served by the first transceiver,wherein the first transceiver has a first azimuth that corresponds tothe first sector and communicates with the first user equipment via afirst frequency band selected from among a first group of frequencybands supported by the access point device; instructing, by the device,a second transceiver of the access point device to communicate with asecond user equipment that is situated in a second sector of the cellserved by the second transceiver, wherein the second transceiver has asecond azimuth that corresponds to the second sector and communicateswith the second user equipment via a second frequency band selected fromamong the first group of frequency bands; and instructing, by thedevice, an interleaved transceiver of the access point device tocommunicate with a third user equipment that is situated in a sectorboundary region between the first sector and the second sector, whereinthe interleaved transceiver has an interleaved azimuth that correspondsto the sector boundary region and communicates with the third userequipment via a third frequency band selected from among a second groupof frequency bands that excludes members of the first group of frequencybands.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising determining, bythe network device, an update to the members of the first group offrequency bands.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the determining theupdate comprises removing a first member from the first group offrequency bands and adding the first member to the second group offrequency bands.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the determining theupdate is based on a forecasted utilization determined in response to aload metric of the access point device.